Mud Season in Vermont

Yes, any true Vermonter knows that Vermont has five seasons, the normal four plus Mud season, the season where snowfall melts and makes all dirt roads and fields into muddy messes. While we were fortunate not to get stuck somewhere, we did do some light mudding in the parking lot at the ski resort. 
We made a quick trip to Vermont this March during Mylo's Spring break to enjoy time with family.  Kim's father, Mila, and Savana also decided to join the fun with a drive from Toronto along with my brother Jeremy and sister Wendi both travelling from upstate NY and Mass.  We always love our visits to Vermont, they always bring fantastic organic cuisine, great wine, and family to tie it all together.

We were fortunate enough to have great snow conditions for skiing in the mountains which allowed Mylo the opportunity to get his ski legs.  Bolton Valley was the place of choice, the resort where I learned to ski and skied for many years until old enough to actually work there, manning the bar in James Moore Tavern, slopeside.  Mylo did such a fantastic job after his 2 hour private lesson, he could not get enough.  He skied until he could not pick himself up after a fall, this boy was dedicated.

The three generations of Haugh on the slopes.  Mylo Haugh, Larry Haugh, and Joshua Haugh.  Plenty of cover, all trails open, even good coverage in the woods.  Big Rock was almost ready to be taken once again but I had lost some confidence and by the time it was ready to hit it, a crew of skiers was working on it to improve the landing to mimic a terrain park.  What is wrong with skiers and riders today?  Why do they need a terrain park to get big air?  What happened to the old school way of using natural terrain to do the same with even more risk, flying between trees or over frozen waterfalls, counting on that good landing?

Vermont brought good times at the house of my parents, so gracious to host all.  Fabulous healthy breakfast spreads and hearty dinners, shooting a game of pool, hanging around the firepit, and making visits to Shelburne Vineyards and a very late lunch at LaVilla make this trip memorable with close family.

Paige also enjoyed Vermont, after sneaking her onto our USAirways flight, she was able to play with her friend Tessa and explore the new outdoor wilderness.  She could of skipped the flying part as don't think she enjoyed that much, yelping a few barks here and there during pressure changing times.  We look forward to our next to Vermont, where we can hopefully spend more time.  Until then, check back for our new adventures.

Mexico January 2013

We made it back to Mexico this January, staying again at Bill's place in Tulum, enjoying our time with family after the holidays as we were not able to get together then.  Knowing the area that much better on this return trip, we focused on what we thought was truly important for us. 

We did make a side trip to Muyil, going to check out the Reserva de la Biosfera Sian-Ka'na where these pics were taken.  While to locals told us at the trail head the trail was closed, because it was broken, we forged ahead and explored anyway.  We found a half built boardwalk and an old lookout, one that Josh was required to climb to insure it was safe prior to any others attempting.  We did though identify a Laughing Falcon while above the jungle, a new bird for my father who is an avid birder.

Tulum also called Kim and I one evening, the lure of fresh mojitos being made on the sidewalk is really hard to ignore.  We were promptly invited inside, supplied with some fresh mojitos after Kim helped turn the sugarcane crank to extract some fresh juice.  The place was Le Mer, main street Tulum and the band playing loved rock, specifically Zepplin, being the primary focus of their sets.  Good times, super friendly service.

Found upon a walk down the beach, this fish shack deep fried Red Snapper to order and supplied all the fixings to boot.  Cold Sol beer paired well, and Mylo loved his Shrimp lunch.  Next time your in Tankah Bay, check the place out!

An afternoon at a Tulum resort also proved to be a much needed escape, just Mylo, Kim, and I.  Enjoying the waves, fresh surf, and cocktails paired with nachos and salsa from the restaurant served beach-side.

Our last day before departure was spent at Explor, a fantastic adventure park featuring the most complex zip-line course in the region.  Sixteen zip-lines later and some four-wheeling, we had a truly exciting day that we know Mylo will sure never forget.

The trip - one of relaxation, great family times, reconnection's, and nights star-watching - was one of true family meaning, getting together and enjoying our time together, away from all distractions.  I would recommend the same for all others, stay away from the inclusive resorts and mega-buffets, get a beautiful home, pay the chef, and relax in paradise.